By Chol D. Johnson
The Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) authorities have condemned the killing of two people and the theft of more than 300 cattle by suspected criminals.
In an exclusive interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, GPAA Minister of Information Jacob Werchum Juok urged EES authorities to investigate the incident.
“We have already condemned these criminals from Eastern Equatoria State, and we have requested their authorities to conduct an investigation,” Werchum said.
He explained that the incident occurred two days earlier, when suspected criminals from EES attacked counties in GPAA bordering Eastern Equatoria, killing two people and raiding over 300 cattle.
“We experienced this incident two days ago in the Gazelle area. Youths from two counties in Eastern Equatoria State attacked the villages and managed to loot about 300 cattle,” Werchum said.
Werchum added that GPAA authorities have reported the incident to the EES government, calling for an investigation, the arrest of those responsible, and the return of the stolen cattle.
He noted that EES officials responded by saying they were not aware of the incident but promised to investigate the matter.
“Yes, they responded, but they denied prior knowledge, saying they were not aware of the incident. However, they promised to conduct an investigation,” he said.
Werchum further stated that such attacks by suspected criminals have been recurring along the border, increasing insecurity for local communities.
He added that cattle raiding by suspected groups from Eastern Equatoria has been ongoing since last year, heightening fear among residents.
Meanwhile, Elia John Ahaji, the Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Information, confirmed on Monday that the EES government had no prior information about the incident.
Elia said that the government would investigate the matter, and if those responsible are confirmed to be youth from EES, they will be arrested and the cattle returned to GPAA.
“We are not aware of that incident. I did not receive any report as information minister, but if it is confirmed that the perpetrators are youth from EES, they will be arrested, and the cattle will be returned to GPAA,” he said.
He added that GPAA and Eastern Equatoria State have generally maintained peaceful relations, noting that in previous cases of child abductions between the two regions, authorities cooperated to return the abducted children.